F5m kit

View attachment 1331277

Can I see the side-view photo?
You're thinking about continuity from the green thermistor to baseplate? The standoff is metal and I double checked with a multimeter. Should be OK.

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Another possibility for the audible noise is high speaker sensitivity. Are your speakers quite sensitive?

Also worth noting if you are comparing this amp and power supply to a F5 with a typical FW power supply is that the typical FW power supply has more capacitance which results in less ripple, and therefore less noise. But whether or not that is audible depends on the sensitivity of your speakers.
 
Edit: Or, if I go ahead and get the Core kit now, will the power supplies become available later?
Remembering how fast they sold out earlier I eagerly pulled the trigger, thinking I'd buy the power supply alone when it becomes available. Then I saw on the PS page...

Unavailable for purchase
This product is currently unavailable for purchase directly.


And now I have concern. I hope to purchase this product directly when they have the stuff.
 
Remembering how fast they sold out earlier I eagerly pulled the trigger, thinking I'd buy the power supply alone when it becomes available. Then I saw on the PS page...

Unavailable for purchase
This product is currently unavailable for purchase directly.


And now I have concern. I hope to purchase this product directly when they have the stuff.
Yeah, I hope I'm not making a mistake waiting for the complete kit. I would be pretty salty if the first half sells out while I'm waiting for the second half lol
 
The "Pass DIY" chassis from Modushop arrived today and it looks awesome! I got it with the black anodized faceplate, coming from the ACA this is a behemoth!
Couple quick questions.
  • I have the dual power supplies and it looks like there is ample room for them, thoughts on going with 2 x 2218 200v transformers or one 3218 or larger, I'd love to run other projects in this chassis in the future with this power supply - Aleph jzm, Aleph J, F6m?
  • The chassis back panel parts kit is out of stock, is there another easy way to get these parts, or a list of what to get?
Thanks so much, this is my first - First Watt amp, and I can't wait to get started.
 
Congrats on snagging the Limited Edition Chassis. I agree they look fantastic. Good luck with your build(s)!!!

I believe store back panel kit Includes:
Power Entry Module: Shurter 4304-6090
RCA Input: Neutrik N2FD Series (2 qty)
Speaker Terminals: Still available in the store
Hardware: M3 nuts & bolts (button cap head) [Just buy a nice affordable mixed kit on Amazon], M3 Hex Standoffs [Mixed Kit on Amazon]
Slow Blow Fuse: 5x20mm (amperage dependent on transformer(s): VA / 120V = Fuse Amp Rating) [Mixed slow blow kit on Amazon]

Addition to back panel parts needed for Balanced Input:
XLR Input: Neutrik NC3MD Series (2 qty)

Needed for dual mono:
2 Fuse Holders and Fuses (so each line/hot is fused independently)
Twice as much PSU components/parts!

Edit: Just realized the store link has pretty much all the components listed in detail.

 
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Dual mono...twice as much work and costs more too 😉

My dual mono F4 is nearing completion (just need to do wire management and front panel LEDs). Even after I get it playing tunes I'm not sure I could do a fair comparison since my two prior builds were Aleph Jzm and F5m with single transformers. I wouldn't know what is different sound wise because of the dual mono PSU vs the different amp designs.

I realize it's the wrong thread to post an F4 build picture, but mostly sharing to show the dual mono PSU in 5U/400 Deluxe chassis. PSU V8 boards from @rhthatcher , two Antek AS-3220 on neato 3D printed transformer seats.

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coming from the ACA this is a behemoth!
Indeed. What until its built, and then try to lift it! Remember, use your back…. Or legs? 🤣
I have the dual power supplies and it looks like there is ample room for them
yes. But that space starts getting cramped very quickly. If going dual mono, start figuring out the layout, and cable management first, don’t be like me and mount everything then to realize its cramped to wire the amp to PSU.
Thanks so much, this is my first - First Watt amp, and I can't wait to get started.
🫡 good luck! It’s a bit more challenging than the ACA mini, but fun nonetheless!
 
You can use the power supply PCB with your choice of capacitors (30mm diameter maximum and 10mm lead spacing) and also your choice of thermistor for CRC or your choice of choke for CLC filtering.

As the F5M specified power supply is not the exact equivalent of the standard First Watt power supply, you may want to use different components/values to suit the First Watt amplifier that you are building. A simulation program such as PSUD may be helpful in choosing components/values.
 
I have one channel up. R6 0,72V and bias 1,45A, R6 is 0,47 ohm (measures 0,5 ohm). Before that I cooked it with bias 0,6A and R6 0,3V about 2 hours. I use 5U 500mm case.
Question about biasing. Do R8 and R9 ohm values have to be close as possible with wanted bias A and speaker DC offset? Right now it sound a little bit different and bright with vocals too present compared to the lower frequencies.
What would be a good break in period for this F5m amp? Somehow I have feeling that one mosfet is hotter than other but the voltage between R6 and R7 are the same. I use the silicon insulation pads with no paste. Do I need to make changes here to use paste or Keratherm?